Island Style Guide

From bright, bold colors to punchy tropical motifs, here is our complete guide to creating—and enjoying—an island oasis, as well as a our favorite island homes.

10 Island Style Essentials

In an open-air villa in Round Hill, Jamaica, designer Meg Braff shares her tips for loosening up a tailored look with island flair.

“A casual island house can never have too many stripes,” says Meg.

Photo J. Savage Gibson, Stylist Heather Chadduck, , Writer Mary Katherine Stump

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Island Style Essentials #6 & #7

Striped Rugs
“A casual island house can never have too many stripes,” says Meg. “They just bring a sense of order to every space.” In the kitchen, she balanced the intricate mosaic tile with a simple striped rug in the same color palette. Her favorite sources for affordable but chic striped rugs are Dash & Albert and Calypso St. Barth.

Well-Mannered Pairs
Meg opted for symmetrical furniture arrangements throughout the house, but most notably in the guest bedrooms, which she outfitted with matching twin beds, tables, lamps, and occasional pieces at the foot of the beds. The doubling effect gives the guest rooms flexibility for accommodating singles or couples.

We Love ... ceramic garden stools (above)―for a bit of shine inside or out. Shop the look: Stools, Mecox Gardens. “X” benches (right), Two’s Company